Cuando el cielo se equivoca

Aziz Ansari's first feature is actually a pretty good one. It's a film that doesn't overstay it's welcome and has some good points to make about the class divide we face in the world currently. Also, it's actually funny, and not in a gross out, trying to shock you kind of way.

Firstly, the acting in the film was spot on. Most everyone did a great job in their respective roles. My only complaint, again, is Seth Rogan. He just can't act as anything other than him. That's all we get. I guess that's fine for the role, but I'm kinda sick of his schtick. Reeves did an excellent job with his role as Gabriel. His delivery was perfect.

Secondly, the film has surprisingly great use of color and composition. Aziz knew how to make these scenes pop as much as he could. I would like to see what he'd do with a bigger budget and locales.

Lastly, the story hit surprisingly close to home. It's a struggle that I, and millions of other people, have faced in my life and it was interesting to see it on screen in such a matter of fact way. Kudos to you Aziz for writing a funny AND realistic film. Only thing unrealistic is the ending. If given the choice myself, I'm not too sure I would have made the same decision the main character does.

Overall, I would recommend it. It was thought provoking, but in a light hearted way. The themes were heavy but the cast and the comedy do a good job of carrying you through til the end. Plus, you have Keanu Reeves as an angel who smokes, drinks, eats tacos and dances without a care in the world.

3.5 guardian angels out of 5.

Good Fortune is funny, charming, but heavy with its themes.

The writing is great. The characters are all very likeable and no matter how much money one has, they can relate to all of them in one way or another. This script doesn't want to hide its themes. The film is heavily anti-capitalist or at least it heavily criticizes it. Usually I hate when movies preach, but it totally worked here, because this film is a very funny comedy. To be exact, the first half is very slow, but the back half is just utter fun.

As I said the first half is slow and also messy. I wasn't fan of the way the little time jumps occured and the way they were edited. I think some of those scenes could've been cut. They tried to edit them like a slow montage, but on the one hand they slowed the movie down and on the other hand the editing was too fast there and there was no comedic timing. The cinematography is great though. The camera movement is restrained, but the angles and the lighting are awesome. The production design and the acting performances are great too, while the soundtrack is awesome.

Good Fortune is a great comedy with heavy themes that rather elevate the comedy than ruin it.

Good Fortune boasts impeccable casting, a hysterical script, and more heart than most films dare to offer. Its sharp wit and understated dialogue shine throughout, delivering moments of genuine introspection without ever feeling heavy-handed.

In an era saturated with existentialist films, Good Fortune distinguishes itself by refusing to take life-or itself-too seriously. It invites viewers to step back, laugh in the face of adversity, and find levity in the chaos.

At first glance, the characters may appear two-dimensional or overly familiar. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear how meticulously Aziz crafted each one. They're fresh yet layered, revealing unexpected depth and nuance as the film progresses. His thoughtful storytelling-something I've long admired-elevates the narrative and spares it from becoming just another formulaic life-swap tale.

The writing, while subtle, often serves the story well, keeping it grounded and cohesive. Still, I found myself wishing it had taken more risks. The film hints at satire-touching on corporate greed and the plight of the working class-but these themes feel underdeveloped. Aziz introduces these ideas but stops short of provoking real conversation or emphasizing their weight. There's no call to action, only a quiet resignation, as if the challenge was too great to fully confront.

That said, Aziz excels in prioritizing the existential elements that make his characters feel relatable. He navigates a familiar plot structure with finesse, infusing it with sharp humor, a seasoned and well established cast that understands the power of good timing, and a charming simplicity that makes the film feel both intimate and universal.

With some big names, I was really expecting more from this but found it a complete letdown. First the acting: Keane Reeves must have been deliberately playing this so wooden because surely he's better than that. Aziz Ansari: I've never seen him before and have no desire to again. Such a poor actor. Seth Rogan: Not a fan, this confirms why. So that's the three main characters performing so badly that even if the script was decent, which it isn't, it didn't stand much of a chance. The only redeeming feature for me was Keke Palmer who is not one of my favourite actresses but here, her performance made me sympathise for her character and she played it well. Sandra Oh was good for her relatively small part. There were a few lines which made me snigger but not loudly and not many. At least I got my nachos at the cinema to stop the evening being a complete write-off.

This movie had me laughing so hard, but also crying my eyes out whenever I wasn't laughing. I don't know how intentional that was, but watching this movie brought me back to the moments I truly lived these moments. I think many of us know how it feels, especially if you've experienced chronic homelessness like I have. Life in today's gig economy is soul crushing. And this film acknowledges that while trying to also pull you out of it by not just telling you you're not alone, but truly making you FEEL like you're not alone. It doesn't give unrealistic answers or solutions, it doesn't pretend like the ending is always happily ever after. But it does tell you that there is someone out there with you to make things just the littlest bit better. To make things just a little less harder. And that is worth sticking around.